Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
11:32
A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
13.1K
Differential Effects of Acute and Multiple Concussions on Gait Initiation Performance
Thomas A Buckley1, Barry A Munkasy2, David A Krazeise3
1Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE; Interdisciplinary Program in Biomechanics and Movement Science, University of Delaware, Newark, DE.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|April 29, 2020
Summary
Acute concussion impairs gait initiation more than multiple concussions, with a continuum of performance observed. Even multiple prior concussions may indicate subtle neurophysiological deficits in athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Concussions can lead to long-term neurological issues.
- Gait initiation is a complex motor task sensitive to neurological changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of acute and multiple concussions on gait initiation.
- To compare gait performance across different concussion histories in collegiate athletes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 45 participants divided into three groups: No Prior Concussion, ≥3 Prior Concussions, and Acute Concussion.
- Gait initiation was assessed using force plates, measuring center of pressure (COP) and initial step kinematics.
- Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc tests and effect size calculations.
Main Results:
- Significant group differences were found in all 6 gait outcome measures, with large effect sizes.
- Acute concussion significantly impaired gait initiation compared to no prior concussion.
- The ≥3 Prior Concussions group showed differences from the no concussion group in COP posterior displacement and velocity.
Conclusions:
- A performance continuum exists, with acute concussion having the worst gait initiation and no concussion the best.
- Multiple prior concussions may be associated with subtle neurophysiological deficits.
- Further longitudinal research is recommended to understand the long-term effects of concussions on gait.
